The Student Government election season began yesterday, with 24 of the 36 positions empty on the ballot. Candidates, both write-in and official, are now allowed to campaign until 8:59 a.m. on March 22.
First violation
Joseph Schulte, a candidate for SG president, committed the first violation of the election regulations by posting on his Facebook page his intention to run, according to Board of Elections Chair Dan Lewis. SG secretary candidate Kevin Sutherland reported the infraction.
The infraction was minor, and Schulte was issued a warning, Lewis said. The post was deleted the same day it was published.
Schulte said he posted the information before he was aware of election regulations.
“Rookie mistake on my part,” he said.
Learning from last year
SG Board of Elections regulations changed last semester, as a result of several problems last academic year, according to former Board of Elections Chair Anthony Dunham, who is running for president this semester and was chair of the Board when the regulations were changed.
More rules were added to better outline the endorsement process, Lewis said.
Last year, there were issues regarding endorsements of presidential candidates Nate Bronstein and Nirvana Habash when individuals not officially working for the respective campaigns endorsed the candidates.
Additional clarifications were added that distinguish between campaign staff and campaign supporters, according to the new regulations.
There was an issue during last year’s elections because there were no alternatives for punishments beyond barring candidates from the ballot, according to Dunham.
“Looking back to when I was chair of the Board of Elections, I helped to write those rules so as to ensure a fair election process,” Dunham said.
Lewis said the Board of Elections is confident this year’s elections will go more smoothly because of close collaboration between various SG officials internally, the Board of Elections and Student Activities.
“We’re not going to have a catastrophe like last year,” Lewis said.
Staff writer Marie Zoglo contributed to this report.
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